Best Pillow Protector Reviews: Bed Bug, Allergy and Waterproof
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Our best pillow protector reviews provide you with information on our top 5 pillow protectors. We have paid specific attention to protection against bed bugs (yes, they can infest your pillows), allergies, and how waterproof they are. Comfort is also an important factor.
First: why do you need a pillow protector? There are several possible answers, for example:
- To keep your pillow clean from mascara, lipstick, face powders, rouge (or is that an old-fashioned term for blusher?) and other cosmetics.
- Whether you like to know this or not is immaterial: Most people drool at some time while they are sleeping. Not every night, but perhaps after a hard night on the town, or if you tend to sleep with your mouth open – as many do! Toddlers often do this as well.
- Your natural body oils can also contaminate your pillow – nose oil is a common factor here.
- Shed skin cells: your body sheds around 250,000+ skin cells while you sleep. Part of that is shed from your head, face, and neck.
- It is said that 10% of the weight of a 2-year old pillow can consist of dust mites and their droppings.
** Dust mite feces contain a substance known as DerP1 which is a powerful allergen. If you are allergic to this then you can develop eczema, sinus problems or even breathing difficulties.
Here are our top 5 pillow protectors that can help prevent the above issues. We will follow that with a Buyer’s Guide, providing you with information on what you should be looking for in a good pillow protector.
NOTE: We are using the Queen size for our reviews. Some are available singly and others in packs of two. So you should check carefully if you need a pair: some come in pairs, though often you have to purchase two pillow protectors.
| Ranking | Pillow Protector Vendor & Name | Cover | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mission: Allergy Premium Pillow Encasing | Polyester | 4.6 | View on Amazon |
| #2 | Allerzip Pillow Cover | Polyester | 4.5 | View on Amazon |
| #3 | Everlasting Comfort Pillow Cover | Terry Cotton | 4.5 | View on Amazon |
| #4 | Allersoft Pillow Protector | 100% Cotton | 4.4 | View on Amazon |
| #5 | Sureguard Pillow Protectors | Terry Cotton | 4.4 | View on Amazon |
Important: Pillows can be described as standard size, king size, queen size (as the ones we are reviewing here) and other sizes. These descriptions can vary in dimensions between manufacturers which is why we provide the dimensions in our table above. For consistency, we are using the Queen size pillow protectors in all our reviews.
Pillow Protector Reviews Table of Contents
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1. Mission: Allergy Microfiber Premium Pillow Encasing Review
The’ Mission: Allergy’ pillow encasings have been designed by a Board-Certified allergist, and are recommended by leading allergy specialists. It claims to provide a 100% barrier to dust mites and animal dander allergens.
It has a lot more pros than cons:
Pros
- Blocks all dust mites and animal dander allergens
- Third-party tested by Indoor Biotechnologies Inc.
- Certified bedbug-proof
- 100% microfiber polyester, silky and tightly woven to be liquid water repellant, yet permeable to air and water vapor.
- Interior and exterior quality zipper flaps.
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Hard to find any – perhaps a few dollars higher in price, but worth the cost.
Editor’s Note: Looks superb and of high quality. It may be a bit more expensive than others, but the vast majority of users appear to love this product. It does not allow allergens in, and any that are already in there cannot get out. Its silky finish stops allergens from accumulating on the surface. The seams and edges are bound with seam binding all round for maximum durability. It comes with high quality zippers – and with a 100% lifetime guarantee that any issues will be resolved quickly.
2. AllerZip Pillow Covers – Block Bed Bugs, Dust Mites, Allergens & Waterproof
The Allerzip pillow cover is offered by Protect-A-Bed and is available in packs of two. It is made from 100% polyester backed with a membrane barrier (named the Miracle Membrane) that blocks fluids such as perspiration, saliva, spills, accidents, and others from reaching the pillow itself. It also blocks skin cells, pet dander, dust mites, bed bugs, molds, and mildew. Not only that, but any of these allergens already in your pillow will be kept there – and not reach you.
The membrane allows the passage of air to keep you cool and dry. The three-sided zipper is patented and secure against bed bugs and dust mites. The Allerzip pillow cover is also certified allergy and asthma friendly.
Pros
- Waterproof and keeps bed bugs and dist mites out – or in, if your pillow already contains these.
- Extremely secure zipper seal.
- Entomology-laboratory certified bed bug-proof.
- Good Housekeeping Quality Seal of Approval
- Certified FDA Class I Medical Devices
- 5-Year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Very few negatives, but it can be slow in releasing air. That’s the price you pay for its water resistance and resistance to tiny dust mites and bed bugs.
Editor’s Note: This appears to be a high quality pillow protector. It not only protects your pillow from dusts and spillages, but also from parasites such as bed bugs and dust mites. Its silky polyester finish makes it easy to clean over with a light brushing, and also provides a smooth sleeping surface for those with dry skin or conditions such as eczema.
3. Everlasting Comfort 100% Waterproof Pillow Protector
The Everlasting Comfort pillow protector claims to be waterproof rather than water-repellant. It is made from cotton terry cloth and contains a hypoallergenic breathable membrane that claims to allow air in and out, but keeps water out.
This is technically possible and keeps pillow feathers in and skin cells, dust mites and bed bugs out! It seems ideal, and most of the reviews online appear to support this.
Pros
- Waterproof but breathable, keeping saliva and other incidental fluids out of the pillow.
- Hypoallergenic – prevents molds, pollen dusts, skin cells and dust mites from penetrating into the pillow.
- Machine washable – but do not machine dry as this affects the breathable membrane
- Sealed plastic zipper that keeps allergens out
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Some claim it leaks into the pillow when urinated on. However, this is hardly the function of a pillow!
- Unsuitable for machine drying
Editor’s Note: One of the negatives about this pillow protector is that you have to air dry it. This seems to be a small price to pay for what appears to be a high quality waterproof pillow protector. The degree of waterproofing seems to be questionable since some have complained that it is not resistant to urination: one by a child and one by a puppy! For health reasons, it is not recommended that puppies be allowed to use a pillow as a toilet. Otherwise, it appears to be an excellent buy and is sold in sets of two.
4. Allersoft Queen 100-Percent Cotton Dust Mite & Allergy Control Pillow Protectors
Allersoft pillow protectors are manufactured in the USA using breathable 100% cotton. The cotton is tight woven to prevent skin cells and dust mites getting through to the pillow. It is an excellent buy with excellent reviews. The tight weave not only keeps dust cells out (and so dust mites) but also pet dander which also promotes dust mites and bed bugs.
These bugs cannot get through the tight weave of the pillow protector.
Pros
- Breathable 100% cotton.
- Tight woven to close up even very small spaces.
- Double stitched for durability
- Rustproof nylon zipper
- Machine wash and dry
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons
- There may be issues with the plastic zipper – though metal zippers may create comfort issues.
Editor’s Note: Please note that these pillow protectors are sold singly. Unless stated, they are singles not packs of two. That said, this product is among the best of all the pillow protectors we have reviewed. Our reviews are compiled from many different sources: user comments, manufacturer websites, online vendor comments and other online review sites. The Allersoft pillow protector is one of the best we have come across.
5. SureGuard Pillow Protectors – 100% Waterproof
The Sureguard pillow protectors come in a set of two. They are 100% waterproof, protecting against saliva, perspiration and various type of liquids: spillages and accidents. It is bed bug proof and blocks dust mites, bacteria, allergens, mildew, and molds.
The zipper is super fine to prevent the above from getting in through the zip.
Pros
- Waterproof, and hypoallergenic, protecting the pillow from bed bugs, dust mites and allergens as well as liquids.
- Excellent protection for both foam and feather/down pillows.
- 100% terry cotton surface.
- Machine wash and dry
- Independently lab tested and GREENGUARD Gold certified. This means that the product has a low total VOC emissions and is free of heavy metals and phthalates. The Gold standard indicates it is suitable for use in healthcare facilities.
Cons
- The air seems slow to escape, and it takes time for the ‘ballooning‘ effect to go. However, this is an issue with practically all waterproof materials.
- The terry finish may not suit all people, and it is not so easy to wipe clean of shed skin cells and other contamination such as the silkier tight thread cotton and polyester.
Editor’s Note: This is another excellent hypoallergenic waterproof pillow protector or encasing. Many people, however, may prefer the silky finish of polyester or smooth cotton to the terry cotton finish. That is why it is in position #5 rather than higher. That said, its GREENGUARD Gold certification indicates that it is suitable for use by those susceptible to volatile organic chemical emissions (VOCs) and those who tend to be badly affected by them.
Pillow Protector Buyer’s Guide
A pillow protector, pillow encasing or encasement, and pillow cover are all names for the same item: an all-round protective cover for your pillow. Some also refer to it as a ‘pillow slip’ or ‘pillowcase.’ It is used to protect your pillow from contamination by allergens (dust mites, molds, pollen and other dust that can activate an allergy), skin cells, bed bugs, bacteria, moisture and often liquid spillages or body fluids. Once these get into the filling of your pillow they are next to impossible to remove.
What you should be looking for are pillow protectors that keep out bed bugs, dust mites, skin cells and smaller liquid contamination such as sweat, saliva or drool, and minor spillages. The higher quality pillow covers may also be waterproof, and keep your pillow free from larger liquid contamination such as drinks spillages and even your pets urinating on it.
It is certainly not hygienic to allow pets on your bed, and certainly not on your pillow. Although many pillow protectors claim to be waterproof, not all are. Those waterproof pillow encasings we have included in this review are the best of those that claim to be waterproof. However, even the best pillow encasements would be liable to fail in the event of major liquid contamination.
So what to look for? Here are some of the factors you should consider when purchasing a pillow protector.
Material and Thread Count
Most listings for pillow protectors will state the fabric used, but not the thread count. The best you often get is something like ‘High thread count’ meaning that the threads are thinner, so there is a large number of threads per square inch or square centimeter. The higher the thread count, the tighter the threads are pressed together, so the more difficult it is for bed bugs, dust mites and other types of allergens to get through the cover to the pillow.
Cotton: Cotton is a common fabric, and the higher the thread count the sleeker it feels. Polyester can also feel sleek, and be woven with very small threads. The sleekness not only suggests tighter weaving but also that the surface is more easily cleaned of dust and other contaminants simply by brushing it or even just shaking it. That means you will have less contact with your shed skin cells and associated dust mites than if your cover was rougher.
Terry Cotton: Terry cotton is another form of cotton that is commonly used in pillow protectors. It provides a rougher finish than regular cotton or polyester (below). Some claim that it ‘wicks’ away moisture – but wicks it to where? A terry top with a moisture barrier below it may resolve this issue – as explained later. Some people don’t like the relative roughness of terry cotton compared to the standard weave, while others find it more comfortable.
Polyester: Polyester is another common fabric used for pillow covers. That is because it is synthetic, so often less expensive than cotton, and can also be woven very tightly to prevent the ingress of moisture and allergens. Polyester can also be shaken to remove skin cells and other solid contaminants. Polyester can also provide a sleek, smooth sleeping surface for people suffering certain skin issues. Many people prefer polyester because of this.
Waterproofing and Membranes
‘Waterproof’ pillow covers are not always completely waterproof although they do resist water to an extent. Others appear to be waterproof in the true sense of the word. It is not the purpose of this pillow protector buyer’s guide to explain the science behind membrane layers. Let’s just say that they keep water out to a lesser or greater extent according to the quality and design of the membrane.
The membrane lies on the bottom surface of the pillow encasement or cover. Any liquid that gets through the weave of the material meets the membrane which prevents it getting any further. So while your pillow cover still feels wet, the moisture doesn’t penetrate into the foam or down filling. That’s what’s important.
You can easily dry the pillow encasement, and even slight dampness the cover on the pillow itself, but you cannot easily dry the feathers, down or foam that comprises the filling of the pillow. Never expect 100% ‘waterproofness’. If you had that, then your pillow would never be able to breathe and any air in it would not be able to escape – it might be like sleeping on a balloon!
Allergens and Other Nasties!
If you suffer from allergies, then you should be more interested in how well your pillow protector does just that: protects your pillow from these allergens. Sure, allergens right on the surface of the pillow cover will affect you. However, if you choose the right material – close woven cotton or polyester – you should find it easy to remove most allergens and shed skin cells from its surface by beating it, shaking it or even vacuuming it regularly.
That’s keeping them out – what about keeping them in? The same applies. Your pillow itself could be filled with allergens before you even begin using the protector. But don’t worry! Any pillow protector designed to keep allergens, skin cells, pet dander, bed bugs or dust mites getting onto your pillow will also prevent any in there already from getting out and attacking you! In other words, a pillow protector is also a person protector – it protects you from nasties already in your pillow, and from the same nasties getting in there.
Pillow Protector Buyer’s Guide Conclusion
So to put it in a nutshell, when you are buying a pillow cover, protector, encasing or encasement (all the same thing), you should have five specific properties in mind:
- Does it prevent skin cells, dust mites, other allergens and bed bugs from passing into the body of your pillow?
- Does it prevent liquids (saliva, sweat, other body fluids, drinks spillages, etc) from passing through the protector into the pillow?
- Is it easy to brush away any dead skin cells or stray dust mites off the surface?
- Is it comfortable to sleep on – no point in buying it if it is not!
- Is it easily washed and dried: machine washing and drying is ideal. Hang drying on an inside or outside line is good if you have the facility to do that – even in winter or when it’s raining outside.
A pillow protector does not kill dust mites and bed bugs – or anything else! What it does do is to prevent your skin cells and these creatures from getting into the pillow itself. If that happened (and you may never know) then the pillow protector will also stop them getting out – so they cannot harm you! It’s simple really: keep them in or keep them out. Regular cleaning of your pillow cover will help you achieve that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a selection of the questions we have been asked about pillow protectors.
1. Why do I need a pillow protector?
Because it keeps your pillow clean! Without a pillow protector, your saliva, drool, sweat and any other contamination that gets onto your pillow will be absorbed into the body of the pillow itself. Even skin cells and associated dust mites can get in there! Pillow protectors prevent this by keeping these contaminants off the surface of your pillow.
2. Why can’t the cover of my pillow be used as a pillow protector?
Yes, it could – that is not the issue. If you used the cover of your pillow as a pillow protector, how would you clean it? Not many are washable. It is not easy to clean a pillow, particularly if the contamination has got through its cover. Feathers and down are very difficult to clean, particularly if contaminated in any way.
Once bodily fluids or even various dusts get inside your pillow it can be a health hazard. Pillow protectors, otherwise known as pillow covers, pillow slips or pillowcases, can be machine washed to remove all of that contamination. Few pillows can be, although we have one or two on our site that can be machine washed – and dried.
3. Will a pillow protector fit my size of the pillow? I have a queen and king size pillows.
A queen size pillow protector will fit a queen size pillow, just as a king size pillow protector will fit a king size pillow. The type of pillow doesn’t matter. A queen size pillow protector will fit a queen size foam pillow, down pillow or any other type of queen size pillow. It’s the size that counts, not the pillow’s filling.
4. Is a waterproof pillow protector always waterproof?
It should be, but often it is not. Some pillow manufacturers claim their pillows to be waterproof when they are no more than water-resistant. We have seen complaints that their pillow protector was not waterproof when a puppy urinated on it – or even when a toddler urinated on it.
While pillow protectors may be constructed to resists drooling, sweat and occasional small spillages, they are not made for dogs to pee on. Nor are they made for toddlers to pee on. That would be your responsibility, not that of the pillow cover vendor. If you believe that to be a risk, then you could cover the pillow in cling film then put it all into one of our pillow protectors. This would provide you will a more comfortable sleeping surface.
5. Should a pillow protector have a zipper?
A pillow protector – yes, definitely. A pillow cover – not necessarily. There is a difference between the two. A protector is designed to keep bed bugs and dust mites out of your pillow. Once they get inside there, they are very difficult to remove. A cover is simply a cover to keep the pillow clean. Often, the two terms are used synonymously but they shouldn’t be.
A high quality pillow protector will have a zipper to close it. Not just a zipper, but one designed to keep bed bugs and dust mites out – with very tight teeth (the zipper, not the bugs). Some pillow ‘cases’ or pillow ‘slips’ are open ended and are intended only to keep the pillow clean from cosmetics, saliva, and other contaminants – but not necessarily bugs or mites. So make sure you know what you are buying before paying for it.
Best Pillow Protector Reviews: Summary
Our selection of pillow protectors was based upon personal experience, reviewable data and on a careful examination of manufacturers’ websites. Pillow protectors can ensure that your pillows remain fresh and clean. They can eliminate contamination with accidental liquid spillages, saliva while sleeping, face cosmetics, and many other forms of contamination.
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Mission: Allergy Premium Pillow Encasing
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Allerzip Pillow Cover
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Everlasting Comfort Pillow Cover
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Allersoft Pillow Protector
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Sureguard Pillow Protectors
4.5
Summary
The best pillow protectors have a microfiber backing to allow the pillow to breathe, while still being protected from liquid contamination. Sometimes such backings can lead to a pillow from become like a slow-leaking balloon. Ultimately, however it will get back to its normal shape and level of support. Sometimes protecting pillows has a small price to pay, but it is generally worth it in the end.
Marina Pocaterra says
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your reviews. I would like to ask your opinion about the Utopia Waterproof Zippered Pillow cover.
I need to buy a large quantity for a hotel and this brand seems to be very well priced.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Marina
Richard Morse says
Hello Marina,
Though I have not personally tested it, I checked the online reviews, and it seems a good option.
Rachell Nicholls says
I have good experience with AllerZip pillow covers, they are wonderful. Super soft fabric and very absorbing. Do not make scratchy noises as other cheap covers do.
Richard Morse says
AllerZip is good choice.
William Swett says
This was a really good purchase, worth it for the price also. My pillow was slightly smaller than the given dimensions but it fit perfectly, since the cover has zippers. The material is soft and makes the pillow more comfortable. It makes it easier to keep the pillow dust mite-free in between washing the pillow cover.
Richard Morse says
Glad to know your experience.
James Pichardo says
I have not had a bed bugs issue, but I have cycled through a few allergy pillow covers and the Allerzip Pillow Cover are definitely superior to the others. They have a smooth exterior and the zips seal the pillow completely. Definitely a good investment to protect your pillows.
Shawnda Crichton says
Can Allersoft Pillow Protector be dried in the dryer?
Richard Morse says
Yes, it can.
Stephanie Vadnais says
Very useful I recommend them to anyone with high-end pillows, I’m using them with Tempur-V.